Wednesday, December 28, 2016

We have considered, in past years, the circumstances in which our Lord was born and what these teach us about the Christmas mystery. He was born in Bethlehem (meaning "House of Bread") and laid in a manger (a feeding trough), teaching us that he is the Living Bread in the Eucharist. He was born at midnight on December 25th to teach us that he is Light for the world. He was born of Mary under St Joseph to teach us that we must be children of Mary and Joseph if we are to be true Christians.

Jesus chose to be born poor. This is both an expression of love for the poor and a rejection of the rich who are satisfied in their riches. Jesus shows us the power of his divinity by being born with no human power. He teaches us that we too must love the poor. He inflames our love by become so lowly in order to gain our hearts.

1) Why we ought not to think that St Joseph expected Mary of sin.
2) A careful examination of what the Bible says about Mary's virginity: Words like "before" and "until" in reference to Joseph and Mary "coming together" and "knowing one another" as man and wife.
3) Devotion to St Joseph as a patron of our spiritual life.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Although many today will say that St John the Baptist was doubting whether Jesus is the Messiah when he sent his disciples to ask, "Are you the one?", however the unanimous teaching of the Fathers of the Church, the saints, and the Catholic theologians is that St John was in no way doubting but was leading his disciples to Jesus.

The prayers of the Church during Advent were received in advance to grant the gift of the Messiah at the first Christmas, the prayers of Jesus from the Cross were received in advance to grant the Immaculate Conception to his Mother.

Monday, December 5, 2016

The whole Church hears the cry of St John the Baptist to prepare the way of the Lord. St Andrew (together with St John the Evangelist) was the great disciple of St John the Baptist. Andrew is an example to us of responding to the preaching of St John to welcome the Messiah into our hearts.

Andrew was the first disciple called by the Lord in his public ministry, and he is known as the Apostle of the Cross. St Andrew reminds us that Jesus was born so that he might die upon the Cross -- this love inspires us to do penance during this season so as to be ready to welcome Jesus anew at Christmas.

Advent is a season of penance in which we look to the coming of Christ in his first advent and his final advent -- in his incarnation born of Mary, and at the end of time in the second coming and day of judgement.

Let Advent be Advent! Don't celebrate Christmas during Advent, but allow this to be a season of preparation. Then, fully celebrate Christmas when it is Christmas.